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Catching up a bit. Doubt the Jews or Muslims would be in approval of my dietary choices tonight. I’m doing this as I was getting supper prepped and then into a steamer. I’m not retired and I work full-time still at this point, and I try and fit in everything that I do into a 24 hour day.
Should I research the data source for your link at this point, or should I police my backyard (we do have four dogs) so that when I make it out to the deck, there’s gonna be a whole lot less flies? Hmmmm….
www.savethechildren.ca
The other question....
The reasons for Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, are complex and multifaceted, rooted in a combination of longstanding grievances, strategic calculations, and regional dynamics.
Based on available information, Hamas's stated motivations and the broader context suggest the following key factors:
Response to Israeli Occupation and Policies:
Hamas justified the attack, named Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, as a reaction to Israel's ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip and West Bank, which Israel has controlled since the 1967 Six-Day War. Specific grievances included the blockade of Gaza, enforced by Israel and Egypt since 2007, which restricted movement and trade, exacerbating economic hardship.
Hamas also cited escalating Israeli settler violence in the West Bank, expansion of illegal settlements, and perceived violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, a site of religious significance.
These actions were seen as intensifying Palestinian desperation and necessitating a response.
Disrupting Israel-Saudi Normalization:
Documents recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza suggest a primary strategic goal was to derail normalization talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, viewed a potential Israel-Saudi deal as an existential threat, as it could further isolate Hamas and diminish the Palestinian cause in regional politics. The attack was intended to disrupt these talks, which were part of a broader U.S.-led effort following the Abraham Accords, by reigniting focus on the Palestinian issue and embarrassing Arab leaders pursuing peace with Israel.
Regional Dynamics and Iranian Support:
Hamas's attack was influenced by its realignment with Iran and the broader "axis of resistance," including Hezbollah and Syria, after strained relations during the Arab Spring. Improved ties with Iran provided Hamas with military support, including weapons and training, emboldening the group. The attack aligned with Iran's interest in disrupting Israel’s regional integration, though Iran denied direct involvement. The timing also capitalized on perceived Israeli vulnerabilities, such as military focus on the West Bank and domestic political turmoil.
Tactical and Political Objectives:
Hamas aimed to achieve immediate tactical goals, such as capturing hostages to exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails and deterring further Israeli aggression at Al-Aqsa Mosque. The attack was meticulously planned over months or years, using Gaza’s tunnel network for covert communication and involving coordinated rocket barrages, land incursions, and paraglider assaults. Hamas sought to shift regional power dynamics and reassert its relevance against the Palestinian Authority, though it lacked a clear long-term strategy.
Exploitation of Israeli Vulnerabilities:
The attack exploited Israel’s intelligence and military failures, including overconfidence in the Gaza barrier and assumptions that Hamas was deterred by prior conflicts. Internal Israeli political instability, driven by judicial reform protests and a far-right government, further distracted from Gaza’s security, creating an opportunity for Hamas to execute a surprise assault.
While these factors provide insight into Hamas’s motivations, the attack’s scale—killing 1,195 people, including 736 civilians, and taking 251 hostages—provoked a massive Israeli response, complicating Hamas’s ability to achieve lasting political gains. The operation succeeded in disrupting normalization talks but at a significant cost, with Gaza facing devastating retaliation.
This analysis avoids consensus-based conclusions and relies on primary motivations cited by Hamas and documented evidence, while acknowledging the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Kill all Jews isn't in there anywhere.